Effect of the use of TiO2 photocatalyst on the properties of ready-mix stabilized mortar

Abstract

Among the factors that affect the building facades, we can highlight the actions caused by weathering such as rain and sun, in addition to mechanical efforts, which can mainly cause cracks and infiltrations in mortar coverings. It is also worth noting that for the presence of dirt and gaseous pollution in the atmosphere, which affect the aesthetics of the building, there are already studies using photocatalytic as an alternative for self-cleaning facades subjected to these aggressive agents. Considering this approach, this study evaluated the effect on the properties of ready-mix stabilized mortar when a photocatalyst material was incorporated into the mass, the titanium dioxide (TiO₂), considering four different incorporation levels: 0% (reference), 5%, 10% and 15%, on the cement mass of the mixture. It was analyzed whether, or not, changes occurred in the properties of this mortar (consistency index, mass density, flexural tensile strength, compressive strength and water absorption), in addition to verifying the self-cleaning effect evaluated with the degradation of rhodamine B during 120 minutes of exposure to UV radiation. The incorporation of TiO₂ into the stabilized mortar did not generate significant changes in most of its physical, mechanical and self-cleaning properties studied, even observing better self-cleaning for 15% in one of the tested samples.